Case Study 1

Question: Many beginning teachers become overwhelmed when they discover they have numerous students in their class with special needs. First year teacher Paige Morris was no exception. Of her 25 students, seven were identified as needing special education services. While Paige was certified in special education and elementary education, she felt ill-equipped to write and implement so many Individualized Education Plans. To make matters more concerning, three of her students were identified as ADHD. Miss Morris began to imagine herself trying to control a chaotic classroom without the tools she needed to succeed.

 1)   List the parts of an IEP which must be in writing, Identify the aspects of the IEP for which Paige is responsible.

2) Which parts of  each child’s program would assist Miss Morris in better understanding her students before they begin the school year.

Answer: 

An IEP is an Individual Educational Program for children with learning disabilities. 

1) The parts of an IEP which must be in writing is:

          1. IEPs must have statements of present levels of educational performance

          2. Annual goals

          3. Child's Progress

          4. Description of special education services

          5. Program Modifications 

          6. An explanation of the extent, if any, to which a child will not participate with 

              non-disabled children  in the regular class and in extracurricular and nonacademic activities

          7. Individual Accommodations 

          8. IEP statements of transition - preparations for adult life and independence 

2). I thinking understanding where they currently stand academically and how capable they are of improving will help her in the long run. Knowing which areas they struggle most in, will allow her to know which topic to focus on the most so they become stronger in that subject.